Foreign investors and entrepreneurs often ask whether they can use a virtual office for company formation in Albania. A virtual office refers to a service that provides a registered business address without offering a physical, dedicated office space.
Under Albanian law, every company must declare an official registered address when filing for incorporation with the National Business Center (QKB).
This address serves as the company’s legal domicile for tax, regulatory, and administrative purposes.
Is a Virtual Office Legally Accepted
Albanian law allows companies to use a virtual office or business center address as their official registered address, provided that the address is valid, legally leased, and can receive official correspondence. The service provider must issue a valid lease or use agreement proving the company’s right to use the premises for registration purposes.
A virtual office cannot be merely a mailbox without legal documentation supporting occupancy rights. The National Business Center may request proof of lease, property owner’s consent, or other supporting documents to verify the legitimacy of the registered address.
Why Use a Virtual Office
Using a virtual office for company formation in Albania offers flexibility for foreign investors who do not plan to maintain a physical office in the country. It reduces startup costs, simplifies administrative requirements, and enables legal registration without securing a permanent office space upfront.
Virtual offices are commonly used by holding companies, consulting firms, representative offices, and businesses with remote operations. However, businesses engaging in regulated sectors or activities requiring specific premises licenses may need a dedicated physical location.
Practical Considerations
While a virtual office satisfies legal registration requirements, companies must ensure that official correspondence, tax notifications, and legal documents are reliably received and forwarded. Failure to respond to official notices sent to the registered address can lead to fines or administrative complications.
Investors should choose reputable virtual office providers offering full compliance with Albanian legal documentation standards.
Using a virtual office for company formation in Albania is a legally accepted option for many types of businesses, offering flexibility and lower costs. However, companies must ensure proper documentation and reliable communication channels to maintain compliance.